Schoolin' Around

This episode explores the transformative impact of the science of reading on literacy education, emphasizing the importance of structured literacy and the MTSS framework. It discusses the historical context of reading instruction, the urgency of adopting evidence-based practices, and the challenges educators face in implementing these changes. The conversation highlights the need for collaboration...

In this episode of School and Around, hosts Larissa Napolitan, Karen Hamilton, and Hiral Vekaria discuss the integration of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and special education. They emphasize the importance of viewing all students as part of a unified system of support, where core instruction is accessible to everyone. The conversation covers the challenges of gaining buy-in from educator...

**Only 2 weeks left to take our 2024 Listener Survey (You will be entered to win an Amazon Gift Card!) In this episode of School and Around, host Larissa Napolitan engages with educators leading the MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) work in their districts. The conversation explores the challenges faced in implementing MTSS, including building buy-in, resource limitations, and the need for ef...

Take our 2024 Listener Survey and be entered to win an Amazon Gift Card!  In this conversation, Larissa and Maya Gat, Branching Minds CEO,  discuss the challenges and uncertainties facing educators as they look ahead to 2025. They reflect on the difficulties of 2024, including budget constraints and the need for innovative solutions. Maya emphasizes the importance of leveraging technolog...

Take our 2024 Listener Survey for a chance to win an Amazon Gift Card! In this episode, Larissa reflects on the challenges and successes faced by education leaders in 2024, focusing on chronic absenteeism, mental health, behavior issues, and the importance of a holistic approach to student success. She emphasizes the significance of building connections with students and families, addressing emoti...

In this episode, host Larissa Napolitan engages with a panel of experts to discuss the implementation of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in K-12 education. Guests include Karen Castle, Director Emeritus of Professional Services at Branching Minds, Dr. Mary O’Meara is the Superintendent of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District in New York, and Dr. Barbara Jenkins, A highly recog...

Take our 2024 survey and be entered to win an Amazon Gift Card! 2024 Listener Survey Episode Description: In this conversation, Mitch Weathers, teacher, author and creator of Organize Binder, discusses the critical role of executive functioning skills in education, particularly for middle and high school students. They explore how these skills impact student success, the importance of routines in...

In this conversation, Larissa and Julie Miller-Johnson, Branching Minds Associate Director of Funding and Proposals, discuss the complexities of funding for Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in education. They explore various funding sources, including federal, state, and private grants, and how schools can align their needs with available resources. Julie shares insights on the importance of...

In this episode, Larissa discusses the pressing mental health issues faced by students today, highlighting the need for effective frameworks like MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) to address these challenges. She emphasizes the importance of integrating Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to create a cohesive environment that supports studen...

Jessica Orenstein, a behavioral scientist and public health practitioner, joins Larissa Napolitan to discuss the emotional challenges students face as they transition from high school to college. As the Director of Programmatic Partnerships at The Jed Foundation (JED), a leading nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults nationwide, Jessica oversees pa...

In this conversation, Larissa and “Coach Rudy” discuss the critical role of emotional intelligence in education, emphasizing the need for students to develop responsibility and prioritization skills. “Coach Rudy” shares insights on effective teaching methods, the importance of leadership in implementing social emotional learning (SEL) programs, and the long-term impact of these skills on students'...

In this episode of Schooling Around, host Larissa Napolitan speaks with Sarah Frazelle, Senior Researcher and MTSS Trainer at American Institutes for Research. They discuss the importance of early intervention in education, the role of data in decision-making, and the challenges faced by schools in implementing effective support systems. Sarah emphasizes the need for community involvement, the sig...

In this episode, host Larissa speaks with Krissy Martin, the director of MTSS at a school district in North Carolina. They discuss the importance of standard treatment protocols in supporting students with varying needs, the role of teachers in the MTSS process, and the significance of collaboration among educational staff. Krissy shares insights on implementing research-based interventions, the p...

In this MTSS Simplified episode, Larissa discusses the essential components of effective MTSS intervention plans, focusing on the importance of progress monitoring, establishing data trends, implementing interventions with fidelity, maintaining flexibility, and utilizing data visualization. She emphasizes that regular monitoring and adjustments based on data are crucial for ensuring that intervent...

In this conversation, Larissa and Jodee Nelson, teacher and MTSS interventionists, discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding meetings in the education sector. They explore why educators often dislike meetings, the importance of effective practices, and how to create a collaborative environment. They also touch on the potential of AI to enhance meeting efficiency and the significance of...

In this conversation, Connie Rockow, from Oakfield-Alabama School District in New York, discusses the challenges and strategies involved in implementing Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in education. She emphasizes the importance of building momentum, ongoing support, and the need for effective communication and feedback among educators. Connie shares her experiences in leading a small rural...

This conversation explores the implementation of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in secondary education, specifically at Medina City Schools in Ohio. The discussion highlights the challenges faced, the roles of educators, and the importance of data-driven decision-making. The speakers share their experiences with MTSS, emphasizing the need for systematic support, collaboration among staff,...

In this episode, Larissa discusses the seven guiding principles of MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports), emphasizing the importance of proactive support for all students, strong leadership, research-based core instruction, effective assessments, clear response protocols, data-driven decision-making, and the continuous learning of educators. Each principle is explored with practical examples and...

In this conversation, Larissa and Austin Griffith, Senior Product Designer, discuss the use of AI in education and how it is being integrated into the Branching Minds product. They explore various ways AI is currently being used in schools, and touch on the challenges and concerns surrounding AI implementation, including privacy issues and the need for prompt engineering. They highlight the benefi...

In this Ask an Expert episode, Larissa asks Dr. Essie Sutton, Director of Learning Science and Trudy Bender, Senior Manager of Thought Leadership, about the benefits of universal screening for social and emotional needs in schools. The conversation highlights the importance of addressing the social and emotional needs of all students, including those who may fly under the radar. These experts prov...

In this episode, Larissa interviews Christie Creele, the assistant director of MTSS at Garland Independent School District in Texas. They discuss how to set up the school year for successful MTSS implementation. Christie shares insights on creating buy-in, addressing assumptions, and supporting the whole child. She emphasizes the importance of team collaboration, involving all stakeholders, and pr...

In this episode, Larissa discusses the importance of attendance in schools and how schools can use a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) to address attendance issues. The conversation also highlights concrete examples of attendance interventions, such as mentorship programs, family engagement initiatives, incentive programs, and promoting school connectedness. The episode concludes by recommendi...

In this conversation, Larissa interviews Jorge Valenzuela, an educator, coach, speaker, and author, about his journey in the education innovation space. They discuss the importance of collaboration and openness to change in ensuring that all students have the support they need. The conversation explores the concept of instructional innovation and its importance in education. The importance of buil...

In this conversation, Larissa interviews Latresha Wilson, the principal of Tuckaseegee Elementary School in North Carolina, about the school's success in improving kindergarten through third-grade students' reading scores. Latresha shares that the school prioritized early literacy and implemented strategies such as data-driven instruction, independent practice, small group instruction, and academi...

Description: In this episode , the guests discuss the importance of restorative practices in creating a safe and supportive school environment. They explore the concept of a restorative ecosystem, which involves building relationships and addressing the needs of all stakeholders in the school community. The conversation also touches on the role of school-based law enforcement and the Texas School...